Ship of Fools: Central United Methodist, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

The Mystery Worshipper

Ship of Fools: Central United Methodist, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Heaven on earth - take a walk in faith

Read the full Mystery Worshipper report here

Amanda B Reckondwyth

Sadly this church has permanently closed due to dwindling congregation.

Bishops Finger

Thank you, Miss Amanda.

They seem to have been in trouble at the time of the Report, 11 years ago. I wonder if the pandemic dealt the final blow?

Amanda B Reckondwyth

I don't know, but I'd guess they were the victim of dwindling mainline congregations in general. There are two other Methodist churches within a mile of them, one of which has closed but the other of which is thriving.

Bishops Finger

I see. Yes, it's much the same picture here in the UK - Our Town now has only three Methodist churches, one of which is quite large (with a lively youth ministry), the second is a smaller local congregation (with a nice modern building, much used by secular groups), and the third is hanging on...

FWIW, the church which has closed is quite an attractive-looking edifice, at least to my eyes, so I hope it finds a suitable alternative use.

Amanda B Reckondwyth

I understand they're continuing to rent it out to interested parties. Our choral group used to rehearse there. The Phoenix Symphony also -- I'm not sure if they still do. Yes, it is a very attractive building.

Bishops Finger

Thank you, Miss Amanda. Good to hear.

Nick Tamen

A story on the closure can be read here.

Bishops Finger

Thanks @Nick Tamen - one closure is bad enough, but it's even more saddening to read about the immense problems the UMC as a whole is facing.

Nick Tamen

Bishops Finger wrote: »

Thanks @Nick Tamen - one closure is bad enough, but it's even more saddening to read about the immense problems the UMC as a whole is facing.

Part of the UMC’s challenges have been the number of congregations that availed themselves of the window to leave the UMC with their property in 2022 and 2023, as was discussed elsewhere in the Ship. In some parts of the country, significant numbers did that, while in other parts of the country, not as many congregations left. I don’t know what the situation for the UMC in Arizona was in that regard.

Of course, the UMC is also facing the same challenges all churches, particularly mainline Protestant churches, are facing in the US.

Amanda B Reckondwyth

The gay question, I fear, will be the death knell of the UMC: whether to allow LBGTQ+ pastors, or even LBGTQ+ persons to join a congregation -- as well as the question of same-sex marriages.

Spike

Host note:

Please note that any further discussion on LBGTQ+ pastors & congregations or same sex marriage belongs in Epiphanies.

Ta Muchly

Spike
MW Host